An LSE Anthropology Professor from Kentish Town is celebrating his 10th marathon when he takes on the Virgin Money London Marathon on 13th April 2014. Tim Allen, who was given just a 15% chance of survival in 2000, is running for Anthony Nolan, the official charity for the 2014 London Marathon.
In 2000, the dad of three was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML), a blood cancer which affects the immune system. After a year of unsuccessful chemotherapy, Tim was told that a bone marrow transplant was his last option and the search was on to find a matching donor.
Tim, 57, says, “My diagnosis was a real surprise as I’d been fit and cycling just a couple of weeks before I went into hospital. The support of my wife and having three young children meant that I was determined not to lose my battle with cancer.”
Tim was determined to stay with his family
We searched our register to find a matching bone marrow donor and Tim had his transplant in 2001.
Following a good recovery, Tim went back to work as an Anthropology professor full-time and goes on research trips to Africa. Tim says that his transplant experience had a huge impact on his children, Rachael, Joshua and Luke. They have since accompanied him on his field work trips so that the family can stay together.
Tim is able to continue his research in Africa
Tim says, “People never thought I’d be able to go back to work full-time, or continue projects in Africa, so it’s amazing to say I can.
Doing the marathon makes me feel good, even though it’s tough. For me, it marks another year I’ve taken back from leukaemia. Without Anthony Nolan finding my matching donor, it wouldn’t have been possible. This is my way of saying thank you.”
Mary Campbell, Head of Events,says, “An anonymous donor helped us to save Tim’s life and defy the odds.
By fundraising for Anthony Nolan, Tim is helping us to recruit more potential donors to the register to save more lives in the future. We’re looking forward to cheering Tim across the finish line and congratulating him on his 10th marathon."
This year, we're the official charity for the Virgin Money London Marathon 2014. By reaching their target of £1 million, Anthony Nolan runners will make it possible for us to add 10,000 potential bone marrow donors to the register. Any one of them could save the life of someone with blood cancer.
Sponsor Tim at http://www.justgiving.com/Tim-Allen5